Happy Fourth of July! It is interesting to think about America’s independence Day when you are outside of the country. Although CNN and Fox News make reference most of the rest of the world does whatever Mondays usually bring. Here in Israel it is another work day. The American ex-pats and tourists wish one another…Read more »
Author: rabbieger
Rhode Island adds Civil Unions
Inch by Inch is how the inchworm travels. And also Rhode Island. This weekend the governor of Rhode Island signed the civil unions bill into law. Lincoln Chafee and the openly gay speaker of the Rhode Island assembly, Gordon Fox could not get marriage equality passed there only civil unions. Rhode Island the tiniest state,…Read more »
Shabbat in Israel -Peace Descending
Shabbat Shalom from Israel! It is beautiful here in Jerusalem. Perhaps even a little chilly on this first Shabbat! Coming to Israel always feels like home. Increasingly each time I land here and make my way through the streets of Jerusalem I feel more like I belong. It is not just the familiarity with streets.…Read more »
Miriam and Leadership: May her memory live for a blessing
Parshat Chukat Numbers 19:1-22 In this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, we encounter the deaths of both Aaron and Miriam. Moses and his siblings were the leaders of the people Israel on their journey to the Promised Land. Of course Aaron was named High Priest and Miriam was called the N’viah, the prophetess. Each had their…Read more »
College is another world.
Just returned from a college inspection. Looking at a college for the future MLB player! It was a great road trip. And we had a blast. Walking the campus with a student tour guide was a hoot. It brought back many memories of my own college experience. But boy has college life changed. The library…Read more »
Lower your voice
I am fed up with the noise. The noise outside my window at night. It is unbelievable to me the number of times people have no idea of their surroundings or the way their own voice carries. On more than one occasion I have had to call the sheriff’s station to help move people along…Read more »
A Little Advice to Prepare for Marriage Equality in New York
All eyes will still be on New York in the coming weeks as the state prepares for Marriage Equality! I learned a lot in the run-up to wedding mania here in California in 2008. So I thought I would share some tips with those in New York. Clergy, officiants and recorders: Meet together with your…Read more »
A New York State of Mind
WOW! New York did it. What a wonderful weekend of Gay Pride in New York and San Francisco too. Marriage Equality is a reality in New York State. Bravo to Governor Cuomo. And we who advocate for marriage equality ought to say thank you and take note of the courage it took many of the…Read more »
Sabbatical has arrived
I am looking ahead! Sabbatical begins this coming week. I am so blessed that my congregation understands the need for rabbinic renewal. I just completed my 23rd year in the pulpit. And it has been a challenging 23 years. A good leader is a reflective leader and my time on Sabbatical helps me to grow,…Read more »
On Giving Charity-a righteous commandment
Parshat Korach Numbers 16:1-18:32 At the end of this week’s Torah portion (Numbers 18:21-32) the Levites are instructed to tithe a part of their earnings to God. The Torah emphasizes this because all of the Children of Israel are obligated to give one tenth of their produce and their income as an offering to God. …Read more »